“This time we are making a storage cabin, some benches and flower stands for the residents,” said Ken Komatsu, project manager of Habitat for Humanity Japan’s Ofunato office.

“We will continue making these temporary houses more comfortable to live in and also rebuild those houses damaged by the tsunami.”

Before the onset of winter, over 80 Nissan employees will travel to the region to help with the rebuilding.

A group arrived Friday and despite wet weather, took building instructions from local experts and got to work.

Volunteers help build benches and flower stands for local residents

“This is the first time we’ve asked Nissan employees to participate in the rebuilding program in Ofunato and I think they are very happy to assist the people suffering from the earthquake,” said Ikutaro Kawamura, a manager in Nissan’s corporate social responsibility department.

“Nissan is extending its assistance to the local people and I think our employees are proud of that.”

Habitat for Humanity Japan and Nissan volunteers with Ofunato residents

Eighteen months since the tsunami swept into Ofunato recovery efforts are still ongoing, but with help from volunteer groups like Habitat for Humanity Japan displaced disaster survivors can at least hope for a new place to call home.